Sights in Toledo

Cathedral

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There is so much to see in Toledo that it is the best single place near Madrid to see if you want to add another place to the capital. The citadel has political connotations which may be a turn-off for some but there is plenty left.

The cathedral is of massive historical importance and combines a number of styles in such a way that you may find what you regard as architectural marvels and horrors close together. It is well worth buying a ticket for the areas where that is necessary. The El Grecos on their own woud justify it, as would the terrific wood and stone carving of the Choir.

There are only three synagogues left in Spain, one in Cordoba, and two of them are here. Santa Maria de Blanca is the older one but it strongly resembles a mosque and has served as a church for hundreds of years. El Transito has more obvious Jewish connotations including a women's gallery and has a museum attached to commemorate the life of the Jews in Toledo up to the 15th century.

There are some wonderful mudejar  and other churches and perhaps the best way is simply to wander, get lost and bump into them. The tiny ex-mosque of Santo Cristo de la Luz is worth seeking out in its own right.

EL Greco feels to be just around somewhere and there are any number of his pictures to be seen. The El Greco house and museum are well worth a visit and then you will want to see 'The Burial of the Count of Orcaz', displayed on its own in Santo Tomé.

Museums are well represented with the Hospital de Sants Cruz possibly having pride of place.